Absorbing an External Soul Bone

Jin Yan had not spent these six years without gains. Through his own diligent training, as well as the subtle transformations brought about by the Golden Dragon King and the hidden soul bone, his physical constitution was not much weaker than that of an ordinary Soul Elder.

Moreover, Worship Hall was currently searching the entire world for high-quality Whale Rubber, and half of it was being prepared for him.

Over the past few years, Jin Yan had read extensively. Whether it was common encyclopedias of soul beasts found across the continent or rare, obscure handwritten records, he had gone through nearly every book in Spirit Hall's collection. It was precisely because of this that Guangling Douluo often came to play with him.

Guangling Douluo always felt that Jin Yan was far too mature for a child, so he constantly tried to coax him and make him more cheerful.

Yet it was also because of this that he had made a fairly good impression on the other worshippers.

Finally, when he was four years old, he revealed that Whale Rubber could strengthen one's physique. At first, the worshippers were skeptical, but they believed it only after having someone test it. From then on, Worship Hall frequently dispatched members of the Angel Legion to secretly collect Whale Rubber throughout the continent.

It was worth mentioning that although Worship Hall acted discreetly, it naturally could not hide its movements from Bibi Dong next door. The relationship between Worship Hall and Bibi Dong's Pope's Palace had become somewhat delicate. The worshippers of Worship Hall were more or less dissatisfied with Bibi Dong. If Qian Daoliu had not been mediating between them, Worship Hall might have fallen out with Bibi Dong long ago!

After noticing Worship Hall's actions, Bibi Dong also had people gather several pieces of Whale Rubber. Yet after testing them for quite some time, she still failed to discover their effects.

Ten-thousand-year Whale Rubber was simply too potent. After Jin Yan ate a piece of six-thousand-year Whale Rubber, Golden Crocodile Douluo and the other worshippers refused to let him eat any more.

Although Whale Rubber could improve a soul master's physique, it ultimately had side effects. They worried that if Jin Yan ate too much of it, his body might develop prematurely or his bones might set too early. After all, he had still been an ordinary person who had yet to awaken his martial soul. If he consumed too much, such problems really could occur.

Looking at the soul bone before him, gleaming with a metallic luster and overflowing with flowing radiance, Jin Yan picked it up with a strange look in his eyes and carefully sensed the abundant energy fluctuations emanating from it.

"Tch, kid, this lousy soul bone has you completely mesmerized. What a country bumpkin."

The Golden Dragon King's voice sounded by his ear as he spoke disdainfully.

Jin Yan could not be bothered with him. He merely said, "I'm starting the absorption."

With that, he attached the pair of wings to his back, circulating his Soul Power as he sensed the Soul Power fluctuations radiating from the soul bone.

Gradually, he felt his Soul Power resonate with the Soul Power emitted by the soul bone, forming a hazy connection between the two.

Tearing pain erupted from his back. Jin Yan gritted his teeth and endured it as large beads of sweat rolled down his blade-like cheeks, soaking the soft, luxurious bed beneath him.

Yet he endured it forcefully without making a single sound.

His Soul Power circulated steadily, and a layer of hazy golden Soul Power ripples enveloped him.

The seven worshippers meditating in Worship Hall opened their eyes and all looked toward Jin Yan's room, smiles of gratification appearing on their faces.

"Commendable perseverance."

Time passed bit by bit. The pain on Jin Yan's face gradually faded, and his expression calmed as a faint smile appeared.

Thus, an entire day passed. Only when the sun had begun to set and the lingering glow spread across the horizon in layers of fiery clouds did Jin Yan slowly open his eyes.

The remaining light shone in through the small window above, casting a golden radiance over the wings behind Jin Yan.

Feeling the unusual sensation coming from his back, Jin Yan's lips curved upward. The ribs on his back exerted slight force as he tried to control this External Soul Bone.

But things did not go as he wished. The soul bone merely flapped twice, and the breeze stirred Jin Yan's hair, but it was not enough to let him fly. He could not even hover in the air.

"Enough. To control a soul bone smoothly and freely requires long-term practice."

At some point, Golden Crocodile Douluo had appeared behind Jin Yan and spoke up.

"From now on, you will live in Worship Hall. Go back to the estate and pack your things. Come back with me tomorrow."

"Yes."

Jin Yan followed Golden Crocodile Douluo back to the vast estate at the foot of Worship Mountain.

As soon as he entered, Jin Yan did not rush to pack his luggage. He could put everything into his storage ring together that evening.

He eagerly summoned the newly acquired External Soul Bone in the courtyard.

After adapting to it for some time, he no longer felt that discomfort. He simply could not yet use the soul bone as naturally as his own arm.

In this enormous courtyard, he did not fear exposing himself. He simply continued practicing control over the soul bone, flapping his wings from time to time.

His comprehension was quite good. He soon grasped the trick. Sensing the slow currents of air, he followed the patterns of the wind and quickly managed to hover briefly. However, he still could not adapt to the sensation of hanging in midair and could never maintain his balance, soon falling back down.

Golden Crocodile Douluo lounged leisurely in a recliner nearby, watching his grandson fuss about with a kindly smile on his face.

These six years had not been easy for the old man either. Having suffered the pain of a white-haired man sending off a black-haired one, even his heart, steadfast as a rock, could not help but waver. Only after leaving the mountain gates and killing several powerful members of the Clear Sky Sect had he barely managed to calm himself.

A few years ago, he had even tried to force a breakthrough in his cultivation, causing his already aged meridians to suffer damage once again. In recent years, his age had become increasingly apparent.

"Little Yan, did this External Soul Bone give you a soul skill?"

The wings on Jin Yan's back narrowed their movements, and his body slowly descended to the ground. "Of course. This soul bone gave me an extremely powerful area-of-effect soul skill called Myriad Scale Heavenly Feather Kill. It has an exceptionally wide attack range."

Golden Crocodile Douluo nodded approvingly. "An area-of-effect soul skill is quite good. It makes up for the Golden Crocodile Martial Soul's weakness in group attacks. Still, area-of-effect soul skills usually consume more Soul Power than ordinary soul skills."

"Yes, Grandpa. With my current Soul Power, I may need to absorb my first soul ring before I can barely use this move," Jin Yan said.

Golden Crocodile nodded in understanding.

"Alright, eat first. I have something to give you tonight."

Night had fully fallen. The estate's servants brought out steaming dishes, every plate filled with top-class delicacies that were difficult to find outside.

Stewed Golden Plum Deer, fresh snake soup, spicy Soft Bone Rabbit, and more.

The grandfather and grandson slowly finished dinner. Golden Crocodile Douluo set down his bowl and chopsticks, then spoke only after the servants had cleared them away. "Come with me."

Jin Yan wiped the remaining oil from the corner of his mouth and quickly followed.

The two passed through two moon gates before arriving at the rear courtyard.

Jin Yan's late birth mother had loved flowers, and this rear courtyard had been the place where she grew them.

After her death, the servants had been entrusted with tending the place.

Jin Yan rarely came here. It was the height of summer now, and flowers of every color bloomed from every branch. Their refreshing fragrance could be smelled from far away.